Does anyone do any special routines or exercises this time of year to get in skinning shape for the upcoming season?

My own strategy is going to be to keep some hiking in the itinerary for the next month or so to try to keep my quad strength from losing too much, but most likely the hikes will be at lower altitudes. I guess I find slogging through a small, slippery amount of snow without skis more irritating than fun most of the time, so I tend to hike where it's snow free. I guess I'll have to accept the gasping back at higher altitudes those first few times at Butler and Berthoud.

BTL wrote:Does anyone do any special routines or exercises this time of year to get in skinning shape for the upcoming season?

My own strategy is going to be to keep some hiking in the itinerary for the next month or so to try to keep my quad strength from losing too much, but most likely the hikes will be at lower altitudes. I guess I find slogging through a small, slippery amount of snow without skis more irritating than fun most of the time, so I tend to hike where it's snow free. I guess I'll have to accept the gasping back at higher altitudes those first few times at Butler and Berthoud.

Have any methods that work well for you?

Perhaps a pair of snowshoes would help you out. I use them for the few weeks before there is enough snow for skiing.Myself, I go in the mountains every weekend and I love the *shoulder seasons* as there is no one else there.